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Azamara v Silversea


davidandjulia
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Our overall personal impression and ratings -

If having read our past contributions to this Forum, you will be aware that we are avid supporters of Azamara and of consequence they would be our first choice when considering our next cruise. For those who live in the UK it will come as no surprise, that as we are no longer restricted by work commitments, come January we look forward to flying out to seek warmer weather (respite care) if only for a couple of weeks or so. It was therefore to our dismay that due to the positioning of both the Journey and the Quest, the logistics of joining either of these vessels would be both costly and very demanding to travel to and from the ship. In the circumstances we were left with no alternative other than to consider other options

As regular cruisers we are inundated with brochures from cruise companies and travel agents which we read with interest if only to keep us abreast of cruising trends, itineraries and of course the advertised cost. In our experience, the advertised price inevitably fails to mention hidden costs which can add considerably to the final bill but, as the advertisers hope, their advert will entice us to at least make further enquiries. As our cruise company of first choice was a non-starter we naturally took a little more time perusing the offers from the more select and, as their advertising infers, exclusive and inclusive cruise companies. We are not averse to choosing a mainstream cruise line which operates the larger vessels (we had a wonderful Christmas experience on the Royal Princess when we were joined by our two sons, their wives and a three-year-old grandchild) but reaching a certaintime of life we now look forward to a less crowded and a more comfortable experience the like of which Azamara provides to the enjoyment of their more discerning guests. Looking at a brochure which seemed to tick all the boxes on our requirement list we were also amazed to find a cruise itinerary which appealed to us and was within our comfort price range. The subsequent telephone call also reaffirmed the inclusiveness of the price advertised (described in the brochure as being a luxury cruise) and that flight arrangements would be from our local airport with Cathay Pacific with an upgrade to premier class. Two-night select hotel stays both pre-and post-cruise would also be included in the cost. We were sold, and for the first time we were to experience the delights of a Silversea cruise starting in Hong Kong and nine days later arriving in Singapore.

 

To set the scene, let us first consider the following:-

Silver Shadow: Guests 382: Crew 302: Built 2000: Decks10: Cruise critic CDC Score 95

Azamara Journey: Guests 690: Crew 408: Built 2000:Decks 9: Cruise critic CDC Score 94

In order that we could assess by way of comparisonbetween the two Cruise Company experiences, we have listed the various facetsthat are, in our opinion, crucial to ascertain what constitutes a good cruise.The following is based on a rating 0 - 10 arriving at an overall percentage.

 

Based on recent Azamara suite experiences and our recent Silversea cruise on the Silver Shadow

Azamara Silversea

Checking in procedure 10 10

Greeting 10 9

Suite/balcony 7 9

Quality of toiletries in suite 8 9

Drinks in suite 10 9

Butler/steward 10 10

Quality, choiceand presentation of food 9 9

Service in catering venues 10 10

Quality and selection of alcoholic drinks 8 9

Quality and selection of non-alcoholic drinks 8 9

Comfort and ambiance (internal) 10 8

Comfort and ambiance (pool) 10 8

On board entertainment 7 9

Comfort in entertainment venues 8 10

Staff: Professionalism and friendliness to guests 10 10

Officers:Engaging with guests 10 8

Cruise Director 10 10

Shore Excursions: Quality and value for money 6 7

Total: 158 164

Total rating as %: 88% 91%

 

Azamara-Costings

Cost of cruise only (Azamara Brochure price for a Continental Suite) for similar cruise and itinerary

£3,414PP for 10 nights = £341 PP per night

 

Note:Travel Agent price for above for a Continental Suite, Flight from UK (economy)1-night stay pre-cruise and 4-night stay post cruise plus private overseas transfers £3,199pp, carrier not stated. Add on premier seating for flights say£748pp based on Cathay Pacific upgrade for comparison purpose.

 

Total cost £3,947pp

 

Silversea-Costings

Cost of cruise only (Silversea Brochure price for a Terrace Suite) for our cruise and itinerary

£5,000 for 9 nights (including shore excursions) =£555 PP per night

 

Note:Travel agent price for the above cruise for a Terrace Suite including premier seating with Cathay Pacific, two nights hotel stays both at beginning and end of cruise together with Island tour in Hong Kong. All overseas private transfers included plus Fortnum & Mason Champagne & Chocolates Gift.

Total cost £4,249 pp

 

Additional cost to cruise with Silversea with one-day less overnight hotel stay if booked through same travel agent = £302 pp.

Azamara: General impression based on 11 cruises of various durations, itineraries and cabin types ranging from spa suite to outside cabins.

Our cruising with Azamara represents about a third of our holidays spent cruising, indeed now epitomises most of our recent choice of cruise line. As for us, we have loved every moment of our time on board and have been more than satisfied with the quality and choice of food on offer. The ambiance and general comfort meet all our criteria and we enjoy interacting with members of the on-board team. Yes of course we have had the odd niggle or two but none that has in any way spoilt our enjoyment.The Azamazing evenings have transported us to venues beyond the reach of many, much to our delight and in many instances, represent some of the most memorable of life’s experiences for us. Yes, we do miss the likes of the enjoyable harp serenade that welcomed us to dinner. The insistence of management that their guests should bring on board their own tonic water to make an enjoyable and for me (David) an acceptable gin and tonic is beyond our comprehension. We also agree with many on this forum that there are serious concerns indeed, in our opinion bordering on insensitivity, to assume that we as loyal customers should accept many of the marketing ploys no doubt instigated by Corporate Head Office but the many instances of blunders in publicising of forthcoming events, shore excursions, and promotions etc., would indicate a more hands on involvement by management prior to disclosure on social media needs to be implemented as surely this must impede and frustrate the goodwill so evidently depicted by on-board personnel. That said, we must congratulate the decision by management headed by Mr Larry Pimentel, to make the decision to increase the fleet to three which will enable more cruising itineraries for us to consider and not look to other cruise lines for inspiration. We must also congratulate Azamara for the recent upgrading of the overall ambiance and comfort on board. We look forward to joining the Journey this coming May when we hope that realistic pricing will have been restored to enable us to book our next cruise later in the year on the Pursuit. This all being well will be followed by the already booked Japan circumnavigation cruise in April 2019.

Silversea: General impression based solely on our recentcruise on the Silver Shadow Hong Kong to Singapore, February 2018.

 

We thoroughly enjoyed this cruise from start to finish. It was obvious from the outset that this is a happy ship and in this respect is very similar to a feeling one derives when cruising with Azamara. What however is obvious is that the ratio of staff to guests on the Shadow is greater than on board the Journey and Quest and this leads to greater efficiency of service especially at busy times. From a recent comment expressed on the Silversea Silver Shadow C.C.Forum we were concerned to read that the ship was showing signs that refurbishment was urgently required for the vessel to be classed as a premium product. Obviously, the décor could be described as somewhat dated and no doubt for some this could be an issue. However, we thought that detrimental remarks implyingthat the ship was inferior in any way were somewhat exaggerated. We understand however that major works are planned during the dry-dock in 2019 to bring theShadow to the level of opulence so evident in the refurbishment recently carried out both on the Quest and the Journey.

It was nice that the captain and the CD were at the gangway to see us off, to thank us for sailing with Silversea and to wish us a pleasant and safe journey home.

For comparison purpose we list notable differences between Silversea and Azamara which, in our opinion, highlight the variances between the two companies.

AZAMARA

Pros

· White Night and Azamazing Events

· Loyalty benefits

· Dress Code i.e. less formal

Cons

· Poor website

· If booking shore excursions in advance it is necessary to pay up-front and complications can arise if wanting to use on board credit having to cancel and rebook when on board

· To choose any premium drinks extra costs are incurred which adds to the overall cost of the cruise

· Suites not to the standard of Silversea i.e. separate shower cubicle, twin wash basins and full-size bath

 

Silversea

Pros

· Premium spirits, wines etc served as standard plus very acceptable tonic water

· Excellent and very professional entertainers who circulated with guests when not performing

· Two-deck theatre, adequate comfortable seating for all guests

· Very efficient website allowing pre-booking shore excursions and dining options, and these are charged to on board account

Cons

· Cruise usually slightly more expensive than Azamara but offset should you wish to buy a premium brand drinks upgrade

· Safety drill outside whatever the weather which provides the opportunity to chinwag with fellow guests rather than the more important object of listening to instructions

· Poorer loyalty programme

· Dress code

 

Conclusion:

Azamara would still be probably be our first choice given our loyalty status and the usually lower cost but we would not discount using Silversea as an alternative if the price and itinerary were to our liking.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited by davidandjulia
Layout changed on initial submission
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Many thanks Ann (UKtog) for your kind acknowledgment,

We composed our article using Word and Excel but unfortunately the formatting was not compatible with the Cruise Critic formatting when we tried to copy it over, and this caused us no end of trouble.

We have noticed however that the correct comparison regarding "drinks provided in suite" should have read 7 Azamara and 10 Silversea.

Another point we forgot to raise was that there wasn't an option for buffet meal in the evening on the Shadow. The only slightly informal offering was the Grill (similar to the Patio on Azamara), but it had to be booked in advance, and for two thirds of the cruise it was far too cold to eat outside anyway.

We sometimes enjoy a buffet meal in the evening where you can just select small portions of different offerings, especially if we have over-indulged during the day!

David and Julia

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Thankyou for your detailed and fair review. By coincidence our first cruise with Silversea was from Singapore to Hongkong many years ago. We also like Azamara very much, but in the last year we have started to look at alternatives, driven by the price policy from Azamara.

This is why our last cruise, one month ago, was with Oceania. We have realized that Oceania is for us a very good alternative to Azamara.

After reading your review, we will start looking again at Silversea.

Ivi

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Thanks for such a well-done review! We did our first Silversea last year, because Azamara didn’t have a suitable itinerary, and we absolutely loved it. Everything about Silversea is sublime. It’s so similar to Azamara, but with just a slight edge to SS due to the inclusiveness and attention-to-detail. We can’t wait to sail either line again.

 

Michael

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Thanks for such a detailed review. Glad you enjoyed your Silversea cruise. Shadow is the SS ship that most needs a refurb, but she is still lovely.

 

Of course, I don't think there is any comparison between the cabins....SS wins hands down in my opinion but there is still that undefinable onboard ambience on Azamara that I prefer, were it not for my personal reasons to go on SS.

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  • 4 months later...

Great review. Definitely think it was a fair assessment of the 2 lines...both pretty similar with an edge going to one or the other here and there. We have traveled on both and love them both. We dont feel the need to pledge eternal loyalty to anyone...we enjoy variety and have sampled many different lines. We find Azamara to be equal in price to Silversea if you get the Club Continent Suite....Azamara certainly seems to have gotten more expensive.....and of course we have to deal with the extra beverage cost that we dont have to deal with on SS, but so far the price hasnt deterred us from not using Azamara in favor of SS...Some folks are much more price sensitive, so if AZ continues to price close to SS and Seabourn, they best step up their game a bit...some folks wont tolerate it.

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